Despite conceding an equalizer in the last moment of regular time, RSL found success in the shootout, where goalkeeper Rafael Cabral shone.
What a match we just witnessed. Real Salt Lake was in it. The Luna goal, followed by Willy Agada, and then by Cabral’s shootout heroics, were thrilling. RSL was the underdog, and they came out on top once again. The boys in Claret and Cobalt were ready and stayed in control for a good chunk of the match. America brought everything they had, and RSL was ready.
The match was really the battle of goalkeepers. Rafael Cabral of Real Salt Lake and Luis Malagón of Club America were both phenomenal. Both goalkeepers made big plays and jaw-dropping saves. Rafael Cabral was the hero in the end, who made three big saves in the shootout, including the game-winning save in the fourth round when the score was 3-1.
The match was back and forth from the start. RSL and America both created chances. RSL had an early opportunity on a one-on-one with Luis Malagón, but the shot was wide. After both teams traded chances, Willy Agada found another fast break, but Malagón stopped the shot. He failed to control the ball, and Luna followed it up, quickly firing a shot that was blocked before Luna tried again with a wide-open net. Luna slotted it home with ease and gave RSL an early 1-0 lead sixteen minutes in.
America would respond just before first-half stoppage time with a golazo free kick from 25 yards out, scored by Brian Rodriguez. America would have to make an injury substitute right before the free kick. It looked like it was going to be 1-1 at halftime, but Willy Agada had different plans. In the middle of first half stoppage time, Agada found another break and headed the cross on net. It hit the crossbar, and initially, it was given to Zavier Gozo, who followed up the shot for a tap-in. After some discussion, it was determined that the ball had crossed the line on Agada’s shot and was given credit for the goal.
RSL would keep the pressure on in the second half, but couldn’t put the game away. Time and time again, America tried to score the equalizer, but couldn’t. Finally, on the last play of the match, Érick Sánchez launched a prayer, hoping to give America a chance. The ball found the net. The match was tied at the death, and America had a chance in the shootout.
Real Salt Lake scored their first and second penalties (Pablo Ruiz, Justen Glad), while Cabral saved the first penalty. Álvaro Fidalgo scored the second America penalty. Braian Ojeda and Israel Reyes had their penalties saved. Cabral stepped up again. If Raúl Zúñiga scored, the shootout would continue. If he missed, RSL would win. Cabral guessed the right direction and saved the penalty, giving RSL the win and two points.
Three takeaways from RSL’s win over Club America
- The attack needs some help with finishing: Real Salt Lake has now had two straight matches where they could have built a comfortable lead, but didn’t. There were plenty of good chances generated, but only two goals from them is a concern. RSL is getting better.
- Rafael Cabral has locked down the starting spot for good: Rafael Cabral is good, but we didn’t know he is this good. If he hadn’t convinced Pablo Masteroni to make him the guaranteed starter, he definitely has now. That shootout performance was incredible.
- The defense is getting things figured out: Real Salt Lake conceded two goals but had a goal line clearance and several key interventions, and Rafael Cabral.
In the end, this is one of the biggest wins in RSL history. Maybe the biggest yet. Everybody came together and played well. On to Athetico San Luis on Saturday!
